Dear Carolynn,

Breeding Sabrina was a big decision, the foal we bred was for ourselves rather than for sale.

Alan & I would like to thank you for taking Millcreek Valiant to the Sporthorse Stallion Parade at Karaka, he caused quite a reaction from the crowd a unanimous aaahhhhhh.. in harmonies! But it was his 'cool as a cucumber' temperament and balanced frame that caught our eye. The fact we could go into the stable with him, strangers in a strange environment, a credit to his quiet nature.

From the first email to a pregnant Sabrina leaving for home in Southland we felt so welcomed by you and Steve. Sabrina was in good hands, good safe paddocks with safe fencing and shelter trees, lots of other horses, she must have thought Ballytruckle was Equine Club Med. She always looked happy and content when we visited.

Portmeirion is the result - a gorgeous healthy foal with a beautiful head, quiet temperament and balanced conformation. He has inherited the flamboyant action and self carriage of the Llanarth line from Valiant. At one week old he discovered jumping is fun when he found a log in the paddock since then it's been hard to keep him from jumping and he can jump 1mtr with ease at only 2 months old. We just know there will be queues of willing riders wanting to take him to pony club. He is quiet and accepting yet active, expressive movement and full of life. We are thrilled, he is even better than we hoped for.

Thank you for all the professional advice and kindness you have given to us over the last year and we wish Ballytruckle Stud lots of success in the coming years.

Kind regards,

Ann & Alan Hill
Southland, NZ

Photo below is Portmeirion as yearling gelding out of 14.2hh pony mare Sabrina by Millcreek Valiant. In the summer of 2007 at his first ever show, Portmeirion went Reserve Champion Welsh Exhibit as a yearling gelding - it was also the first time showing in-hand for his proud owner Ann Hill.

Portmeirion